I received
an e-mail from my dad, and I was happy to hear from him. He let me know what he
and my stepmom and sisters have been up to, but then he said he is busy with
work. I sent a reply asking if the two of us could talk more, and he never got
back to me. I don’t want to bug him, but I want to tell him how important it is
to have some one-on-one time.

Dear Missing
My Dad,

You aren’t
the only girl who years from greater closeness with a parent, and your feelings
can weigh heavily on you. Instead of stating your desire for quality time, ask
a specific question about when you two can visit. E-mail something like, “Which
is better for you, the first or third week of June? It’ll be fun to catch up.”

Sound upbeat rather than needy or frustrated because, fair or not, it is easier
to jump-start your relationship from a positive place. It might help, too, to
vent in a diary or talk with your mom or a school counselor.